Opened: In 1930 with the fixing up of the forlorn street as a tourist attraction. The Yale Puppeteers were the initial troupe. The Olvera St. end of the building was used as the theatre's entrance. The building is the Sepulveda House, dating from 1887.
In this postcard looking north we see the two buildings that were used as theatres. The one nearest us with the "Theatre" signage visible was the Olvera St. Theatre. Beyond we see part of the back end of the Sepulveda House where the Teatro Torito entrance was. Thanks to both Sean Ault and Michelle Gerdes for spotting the card on eBay.
This company closed their show here in less than two years and later surfaced at the Turnabout Theatre on La Cienega. In the mid 30s, the Monro Marionettes performed at the Torito.
Seating: 80
Status: The Olvera end of the Sepulveda House is used as retail space. The main entrance to the house faced Main St. That Main St. end was once in use as a visitor's center but it's now dormant.
Looking south across the Olvera St. end of the Sepulveda House. Photo: Bill Counter - 2019
The Main St. facade of what had been the Teatro Torito. To the right, behind the streetlight, is the building once used as the Olvera St. Theatre. Photo: Bill Counter - 2019
More Information: The puppet shows at Teatro Torito are seen in the 9 minute 1937 Vericolor short "A Street of Memory" on YouTube.
The City's El Pueblo de Los Angeles site has a history page with some information about the Sepulveda House.
Also see the listing here on this site for the Olvera St. Theatre in the next building to the south.
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